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Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC

As a Senior Associate, you will leverage your problem-solving skills and critical thinking to ... Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Physics, Industrial and Operations Engineering, Industrial ...

Assembly Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Preferred Qualifications: · Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience. · 3-5+ years of technical assembly experience (industrial automation ...

... Associate Engineer Duties Include but are not Limited to the Following: * Assessment of products ... and mechanical testing ideally to UL/CSA/IEC/EN 60079 series * An engineering associated ...

... Associate Engineer Duties Include but are not Limited to the Following: * Assessment of products ... and mechanical testing ideally to UL/CSA/IEC/EN 60079 series * An engineering associated ...

Showing results 41-60

Mechanical Engineering Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$44.2K

$100K

$161.9K

How much do mechanical engineering associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering associate in Raleigh, NC is $100,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical engineering associate?

Mechanical Engineering Associates are early-career professionals who support engineering teams in designing, testing, and improving mechanical systems and products. They typically assist with creating technical drawings, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and solving engineering problems under the supervision of senior engineers. This role is often a starting point for recent graduates in mechanical engineering, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to learn industry practices. Mechanical Engineering Associates may work in various sectors, such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering associate?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Associate, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as exposure to industry standards like ASME, is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and convey technical concepts clearly. These capabilities ensure high-quality project outcomes and efficient integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What are the most common challenges faced by mechanical engineering associates when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering tasks?

One of the most common challenges Mechanical Engineering Associates encounter is adapting to the pace and complexity of real-world engineering projects compared to academic assignments. In industry, projects often involve tight deadlines, multidisciplinary teams, and the need to balance technical accuracy with practical constraints like budget and manufacturability. Associates must also become proficient in using industry-standard software and tools, and learn to interpret and apply company-specific standards. Effective communication with senior engineers and other departments is essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Associate vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineering AssociateMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or equivalentBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting roles in design, testing, and manufacturingDesign, analysis, and project management responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, product development, and technical supportDesign firms, industrial companies, and R&D departments

The Mechanical Engineering Associate typically holds an associate's degree and performs support tasks in engineering projects, while the Mechanical Engineer has a bachelor's degree and takes on more complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles are essential in engineering teams, but the associate role is more entry-level and supportive in nature.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,006 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Associate Director, Packaging Equipment Technology Engineering

Merck & Co.

Durham, NC • On-site

$129 - $203/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description

We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. We're at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. Join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization that uses the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

This role serves as an essential part of the External Manufacturing & Network Equipment team, in providing technical leadership and support to our company's internal & external packaging network, focusing on developing and executing packaging and device assembly equipment and processes including packaging equipment design & development, ensuring packaging process control and efficiency and providing on-going packaging and device technical support across the lifecycle.

The Packaging Technical Operations organization aims to be an industry leader in problem-solving, delivering robust and pragmatic technical solutions to accelerate the commercialization of new products, and ensuring an uninterrupted, compliant supply of commercialized products for the benefit of patients. The Associate Director of Equipment Engineering is integral to this mission. The successful candidate will possess deep process and equipment technical expertise for packaging and/or assembly, a strong track record in problem-solving, strategic acumen, and execution, along with leadership skills to lead complex cross functional projects.

Responsibilities
  • Lead or support complex technical projects and/or equipment technology assessments within the packaging and Medical Devices & Combination Products (MDCP) space as part of new product introduction, product source change, and/or device component source changes.
  • Lead or support complex global and site-centric capital and equipment projects, including new packaging equipment purchases, packaging equipment transfer/relocation, device component source change assessment, and packaging site operational & launch support.
  • Serve as the above-site packaging and assembly equipment SME, providing direct technical support to the packaging network in areas of troubleshooting, equipment and End-to-End line performance & technology analysis.
  • Leverage packaging scientific/technical concepts and techniques (e.g., mechanical & electrical knowledge, automation expertise, AutoCAD/SolidWorks competency, equipment validation & qualification, Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma, GMP, Safety Standards, Project management, Preventive & Predictive maintenance, Serialization, VOC, process capability, root cause analysis) to resolve scientific/technical packaging issues.
  • Work closely with our company's Serialization CoE to support the implementation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of our serialization strategy.
  • Establish and maintain specific packaging equipment specification standards in line with our company's Same-Same component/equipment/process principles across multiple packaging platforms.
  • Evaluate new technologies for compatibility with existing packaging lines and collaborate closely with package sites' technology groups to ensure alignment.
Qualifications

Required

  • A bachelor's degree in Packaging Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (such as Chemical Engineering or Material Engineering).
  • Minimum of ten (10) years' experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industry, with at least three (3) years in a leadership role (i.e., Maintenance, Operation and/or Engineering).
  • Demonstrated success in developing and implementing equipment standards across multiple manufacturing or packaging sites.
  • Strong background in medical device, combination product, pharmaceutical packaging equipment, and operational process.
  • Broad experience with devices and combination products, covering design control to product and technology transfer for both new and existing packaging facilities.
  • Exceptional project management skills, from conception and initiation through project close-out.
  • Thorough knowledge and proven expertise in GMP application and quality systems, particularly in process and equipment qualification & validation, root cause analysis, change control, deviation management, and cleaning qualification.
  • Extensive experience with quantitative decision tools for root cause analysis, risk management, and options analysis.
  • Strong knowledge of cGMP, FDA, EMA, and other international regulatory requirements.
  • Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, combined with outstanding oral and written communication skills.

Preferred

  • Advanced practical knowledge of techniques applicable to packaging and device assembly equipment and processes.
  • Experience in operating autonomously to offer strong coordination, communication, and supervision on all technical issues.
  • Proven track record in operating in a fast-paced environment to resolve technical issues while meeting customer needs in a compliant manner.
Required Skills:

Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biotechnology, Change Controls, Change Management, Combination Products, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Deviation Management, Engineering Standards, Equipment Experience, GMP Compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Devices, Medical Devices Design, Medical Device Technologies, New Product Introduction Process, Packaging Engineering, Packaging Equipment, Packaging Optimization, Packaging Processes, Pharmaceutical Packaging {+ 8 more}

Preferred Skills:US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is $129,000.00 - $203,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.- Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

08/28/2026

Requisition ID:

R410892

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